Stay safe

Alcohol safety

There are always reasons to celebrate or socialise during the year. While we want you to enjoy yourself, we also want you to stay safe when drinking alcohol. If you choose to drink excessively, there may be a price to pay. You should be aware of the dangers of alcohol and the consequences of binge drinking on yourself and others.

Alcohol misuse is a factor in:

40% of violent crimes

39% of deaths in fires

15% of drownings

One in six road traffic deaths

And

around 25% of young people get into arguments or fights as a result of drinking alcohol

one in four acute hospital admissions are alcohol related

being drunk makes you more exposed to attack, sexual assault, robbery and accidental injury.

Alcohol can make you overweight Alcohol is extremely high in calories and can lead to an increase in weight. There are approximately 180 calories in one pint of beer. Thats the same number of calories as an ice cream. Three pints of beer total 540 calories, the same as an average meal.

Alcohol can lead to Poisoning Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to dehydration, low blood sugar and poisoning. This is commonly referred to as a hangover.

Alcohol is metabolised almost exclusively by the liver. This means the liver is one of the first parts of the body to suffer the harmful effects of heavy drinking. It takes one hour for the liver to process half a pint of regular lager.

If you have concerns about yours or someone elses drinking, call Ealings free and confidential service on 0800 195 8100

How alcohol may damage your healthOver 6,000 deaths a year are attributed to alcohol and one in ten adults in the UK is drinking at harmful levels - many of them without realising they are damaging their health. Excess alcohol consumption can seriously increase the risk of the following physical health problems:

Liver cirrhosis

Cancer

Strokes

Pancreatitis

Gastritis

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Decreased fertility

Impotence

Neurological disorders

Poor mental health

What is binge drinking?

Drinking with the intention of getting drunk, often mixing drinks

Drinking to the point at which you lose control

Drinking as much as possible in a short space of time

Occasional, heavy drinking.

Units The number of units in an alcoholic drink depends on the alcohol concentration and the volume.